Self-energizing past dead center mechanism



Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR 2,621,523

SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 x 62 L g 2' 4 o I f 542 60 I; 1 9 77 =Iln 1 |I 9 1 INVENTOR. BY Paul H. Tc'zyior Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Paul H. Taylor Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. H2141 MTaylor Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Paul h. TZayZor' BY Qorrze 5 Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 W 2 s a 0 3 ma 93 I I 6 a C MW 4 w 3 LI m wk 3 05 K 6 7 w 5/ a $/.\x% hO/u w x w m 6 6 v: 6 w w jaw m w INVENTOR. Paul H, E 10! J af-Eorngy.

Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR 2,621,523

SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN V EN TOR.

Paul h. Ta'ylor Y Dec. 16, 1952 P. H. TAYLOR 2,621,523

SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1949 v Sheets-sheaf 7 IN V EN TOR. Paul H. Taylor By W /3. (2550777659.

Patented Dec. 16, 1952 UNITED STATES SELF-ENERGIZING PAST DEAD CENTER MECHANISM Paul H. Taylor, North Tonawanda, N. Y., assignor to Wales-Strippit Corporation, North Tonawanda, N. Y.

Application August 25, 1949, Serial No. 112,313

29 Claims.

This invention relates generally to actuating and control mechanisms, and more particularly is concerned with a self-energizing mechanism of the type characterized by a linkage in which energy is stored and released, depending upon the relation of the linkage with respect to a dead center position, to effect the desired sequence of operation of mechanical elements, such as, for example, the clutch of a-machine tool.

An energy storing and releasing linkage of the type generally described includes a pivoted resilient means which acts against a pivoted lever so that the line of force from the resilient means exerts force against the lever when the linkage is on either side of a line intersecting the axis about which the resilient means and lever pivot. However, when, in the past, it has been necessary to initially energize the linkage or when the element of timing or the necessity of providing a sequence of movements has been involved, it has been the practice to supplement, or supplant, such linkages with electrical or mechanical devices.

In the actuation of the clutches of machine tools such as press-working machines, for example, it has been the practice to employ mechanically tripped dog clutches, cams being availed of to perform the timing function as well as the disengaging operation. Needless to say, such cams are costly to manufacture, diflicult to machine, and must be accurately matched with the mating elements which they actuate to assure that there will be no interference with the operation of the machine. In addition to the above objections, mechanically tripped machine elements generally drag because the cam surfaces move the elements only to the extremes of the cams. This permits some interference between the cam and cam-actuated assembly on each revolution of the drive shaft, with the resultant noise and wear common to dog-type clutches.

In addition to clutches of the type referred to above, there are numerous other types of gag or spacer mechanisms which are utilized with reciprocable elements for the same purpose and operate by virtue of a gag or spacer being inserted between a reciprocating driving element and a reciprocating driven element to transmit the movement of the former to the latter. These mechanisms also have the objection that they are noisy in operation and in some instances, owing to the initial inertia and friction of the driven element,

it has been necessary to provide some means of applying external force so that the driven element will be energized into its operating stroke without lagging. Lagging, of course, would result in noise and excessive wear inthe apparatus and in incomplete stroke of the driven element.

The principal object of the present invention,

therefore, is to provide an actuating and controlv mechanism free of the various objection-s above noted, this object contemplating an actuating and control mechanism which is self-energizing.

A further object is an actuating and control mechanism wherein-provision is made for causing a timed sequence of operation of the con-' trolled instrumentality.

A still further object is to provide an actuating and control mechanism which may be employed to render the controlled instrumentality either operative or inoperative, depending upon which is desired.

Yet another object is an actuating and control mechanism of the type generally described wherein provision is made for timing the energizing means.

A still further object is an actuating and con-.

trol mechanism wherein provision is made for varying the location of the line along which the resilient force acts, whereby to obtain .the desired sequence of operations.

A still further object is to provide an actuating and control mechanism which may be availed of to effect either single or repetitive operations of the controlled instrumentality.

Yet another object is an actuating and control mechanism wherein provision is made for insuring against accidental or unintentional operation of the controlled instrumentality.

A still further object is to provide an actuating and control mechanism which may be availed of to particular advantage in connection with instrumentalies of the clutch type and which is so designed that when employed in connection with a clutch of the kind having reciprocating driving and driven elements, idling of the driving element may occur without engagement between the cooperating surfaces of which the movement of the driving element is transmitted to the driven element, quiet operation being thereby insured.

A still further object is a novel design and arrangement of the parts of the actuating and control mechanism, whereby the movement and timing of the driving member may be varied in accordance with the operating characteristics of the instrumentality with which the mechanism is associated.

A still further object is to provide for facility in assembling, disassembling and adjustingthe parts of the mechanism.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view (partial) of a press-working machine showing associated therewith an actuating and control mechanism embodying the features of the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view showing in perspective the elements of the mechanism and the cooperating elements of the instrument-ality (clutch) with which the mechanism is associated;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in elevation, similar to Figure l, but illustrating the control mechanism at the moment the actuating linkage is to be released first to energize itself and .then the associated instrumentality;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, the actuating linkage being shown after it has energized itself and begins to energize the associated instrumentality;

Figure 5 is a vertical section taken along line 55 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a side elevational view showing th parts of the mechanism in the positions they occupy as they advance further from the posi- 1 tion shown in Figure 4;

Figure '7 is a detail section taken along line 'l----'! of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a detail section taken along line 8-8 of Figure 14;

Figure 9 is a detail section taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6;

Figure 10 is a three-quarter perspective view of the mechanism;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figures 1, 4, 5, and 6 but illustrating the parts of the mechanism in the positions they occupy at the instant locking of the pivoted connection between the parts of the linkage is effected prior to the return of the linkage to the position shown in Figure 1;

Figure 12 is .an enlarged detail sectional view taken along line I2-i2 of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 6 but illustrating parts in the positions they occupy as they approach (in the direction of the lock-up position) the line along which the force of the resilient means acts;

Figure 14 is a side elevational view illustrating the adjustment of the mechanism to effect repetitive operation f the controlled instrumentality.

The actuating and control mechanism is illustrated by way of example in connection with a press-working machine 23 (Figure 1) having to an eccentric 24 on the power shaft 25 of the 3 press. Th piston 22 is located in and reciprocable in a cylinder 23 which is closed at its lower end and which, in the embodiment illustrated, constitutes the ram of the machine. The cylinder 25 is reciprocable in a cylinder 2? which serves as the housing of the clutch and is formed adjacent its closed lower end with ports 23 through which the interior of the cylinder 26 may communicate with chamber 29 formed in the inner wall of the cylinder 21. The chamber 29 and interior of the cylinder 26 contain a hydraulic fluid which may course back and forth through the ports 28 when the cylinder 26 is raised so that the ports are open. Thereby the machine is permitted to idle.

When the cylinder 26 is lowered so that the ports 28 are closed and th piston 22 is moving downwardly, the hydraulic fluid trapped between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder 26 will positively connect the two elements, the downward movement of the piston 22 being thereafter transmitted to the cylinder 26 through the trapped hydraulic fluid. Thereby a working stroke of the ram is effected.

The initial downward movement of the cylinder 26 to close the ports 28 is preferably effected independently of the action of the piston 22 in the manner described in copending applications Serial No. 111,233 and Serial No. 138,413, assigned to our interests. The means illustrated herein corresponds to the means disclosed in the first mentioned application and includes an arm '36 which carries a roller 3| which occupies an annular channel 32 formed in the cylinder 23. The arm 38 is fixed to a shaft 33 which is journalled in a bearing 33 in a side wall of the cylinder housing 21. At its outer end, the shaft 33 carries an actuating arm 35 by which the arm 33 may be rotated through the desired range of movement. The shaft 33 is inclined upwardly in the direction of the axis of the cylinder 26 and its axis extends to one side of the axis of the cylinder 23. By mounting the shaft 33 in this manner, the roller 3| will be caused to travel along a helical path as the arm 39 is turned on the shaft 33, the diameter of the helical path being substantially the same as that of the cylinder 26. Consequently the roller 31 will remain in the channel and move around the walls thereof when the shaft 33 is actuated to turn the arm 30.

The actuating and control mechanism of the present invention is associated with, and includes, the actuating arm 35 and, as so associated, is available to control the operation of the machine 20 by controlling the position of the cylinder 26. The arm 35 is forked at its upper end and the opposite extensions of the fork are formed with aligned arcuate slots 36 (Figure 5). A driving link 31 which is associated with the arm 35 includes a fork 38, the arms of the fork 38 being located at opposite sides of the fork extensions of the arm 35 and being pivotally connected thereto by a pin 39. The link 31 is mounted so that it may swing about a pivot which is located intermediate its ends. Referring in this connection to Figure 5, it will be noted that the fork 38 carries a post 40 which terminates in a reduced extension 4!, a shoulder 42 being provided at the juncture of the large and small sections of the post. A sleeve 43 fits over the post, the said sleeve having an internal flange M at its lower end which slidably engages the post and being spaced from the post throughout the greater portion of its extent. At its upper end, the sleeve extends through, and is welded in, an opening formed in a lateral extension 45 at the upper end of an arm 46, the latter being mounted at its lower end for rocking movements on a pin 41 which is journalled in the upper end of an arm 48 carried by the cylinder housing 21. A coil spring 49 is arranged around the sleeve 43 and is located be- ,tween a shoulder on the fork 38 and the lateral extension 45, the spring 49 being the means by which energy is stored and released in connection with the actuation of the linkage. The linkage also includes a second spring 50 which is arranged around the reduced extension ll on the post 40 between the shoulder 42 and a guide nut 51 on the-endof the reduced extension. The purpose oi the spring 59 will be more apparent hereinafter.

The actuating and control mechanism includes a handle 52 which is carried by a laterally extending arm of an L-shaped lever 53, a depending arm of the lever being pivotally mounted intermediate its ends upon a stub shaft 54 which is carried by the clutch housing. A latch 55 (Figure 2) has its inner end pivotally connected by a pin 56 to the laterally extending arm of the lever 53, the hooked end 51 (Figure 6) of the latch being engageable with and disengageable from a pin 58 (see also Figure 9) which is carried by an arm 59. The latter is pivotally mounted upon the stub shaft 54 and is biased by a spring 60 in the direction of a stop pin 6| which is carried at the outer end of an arm 62 which is adjustably fixed to the outer end of the stub shaft 54, the spring 69 being located between the pivotally mounted arm 59 and the fixed arm 62 with one end being connected to each arm.

The pin 58 which cooperates with the latch 55 extends through the arm 59 and at its outer end carries a roller 63 which cooperates with a latch element 64 which is pivotally connected at 65 between the fork extensions of the actuating arm 35. The latch element 64 has a slot 66 which throughout the greater part of its extent conforms generally to the shape of the slots in the fork extensions of the arm 35 but which at the free end of the latching element extends substantially at right angles to provide a notch 61 which the pin 39 may enter to latch the mechanism against accidental or unintentional operation.

To energize the clutch 2|, assuming the machine is running and the piston 22 is idling (reciprocating) while the cylinder 26 is raised to a position in which the ports 28 permit free flow of hydraulic fluid back and forth between the interior of the cylinder and the reservoir 29, the handle 52 is depressed (turned in a counterclockwise direction). As the lever 53 turns on the stub shaft 54 under the influence of the handle 52, the latch 55 which it carries, and which at the time engages behind the pin 58, rocks the arm 59 and the roller 63 carried thereby in a counterclockwise direction against the resistance of the spring 60. As the arm 59 is turned in the manner described, the roller 63 acts against the free end of the latching element 64 at a point 68 where the cam surface provided thereby is substantially vertical in order to prevent accidental tripping of the latching element as a result of a sudden handle movement (it being noted that'from the point 68 the cam surface on the free end of the latching element changes from such point in the direction of the under side to an angle of approximately 40 degrees). Loading of the spring 49, therefore, begins while at the same time the counterclockwise movement of the arm 35 starts to move the cylinder 26 downwardly. At this time, the actuating and control mechanism is in the tripping position; and as the ascending piston 22 (which is idling in the cylinder 26) engages a lifting ring 69 (Figure 5) in the upper end of the cylinder 26 which is being moved downwardly at such time by the handle 52, the cylinder 26 is lifted slightly, causing the actuating arm 35 to be moved slightly in' engagement of the piston 22 and cylinder 26 the manner described causes the latching-element 64 to swing upwardly about its pivot 65, as shown in Figure 3. When this occurs the pin 39 is permitted to ride down the inclined slots 36 in the actuating arm 35 until reaching the position shown in Figure 4, the angle of inclination of the slots 36 being predetermined so that the travel of the pin is slowed down at th end of the slots in order to avoid Wear. The energy stored in the spring 49 is, therefore, thereafter applied on the left side of a line 19 through the axis of the actuating arm 35, thereby causing the arm 35 to turn in a counterclockwise direction, as best shown in Figure 6, and in so doing move the cylinder 26 downwardly to close the ports 28. As a result of the body of'hydraulic fluid trapped between the piston 22 and cylinder 26, the movement of the former is transmitted to the latter and the two move in unison, causing the arm 35 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction without further force from the spring-loaded linkage which has been extended to its full length. During the initial part of such movement, an eccentric H (Figure 10) on the actuating arm 35 is caused to engage a cam surface 12 on the latch 55, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, thereby releasing the roller arm 59 and permitting the latter to be returned by the spring 60 to its original position against the stop pin 6|.

In Figure 11, the parts of the control mechanism are shown in the positions which they occupy when the cylinder 26 is moved to the lower limit of its range of movement, it being noted that the pin 39 has moved up the slots 36 by virtue of the restrained length of the linkage and has again entered the notch 6'! in the latching element 64 so that it is again latched against movement in the slots. The movement of the latch to its latching position is assured by a cam surface 13 on the latching element 64 which is engaged by pin 39 moving up the slots 36 of actuating arm 35. Actuation of the latching element in the desired manner is also assured by the inertia of the element which tends to turn in a clockwise direction when the actuating arm 35 is arrested at the end of its stroke.

After completion of the downward stroke of the piston 22 and the ram driven thereby, the piston moves upwardly and engaging the lifting ring 69 (Figure 5) in the upper end of the cylinder 26 carries the cylinder with it. Upward movement of the cylinder 26 is transmitted to shaft 33 by the roller arm 30.- Hence the actuating arm 35 is thus driven in a clockwise direction. Referring to Figure 13 and dead center line 10 thereof, it will be noted that the linkage which includes the elements 35 and 31 is approaching the dead center position and that the spring '49 is being loaded at this time. A soon as the linkage is driven past the dead center position, the energy stored in the spring 49 is released to drive the mechanism to the lock-up position shown in Figure l.

In accordance with the invention, the actuating and control mechanism is availed of to move the cylinder 26 to, and hold it in, a position in which it will remain out of contact with the piston 22 while the latter idles. To this end, the mechanism is so designed that as it is driven to the lock-up position referred to by the spring 49, it is operative to move the cylinder 26 high enough so that the piston 22 may move back and forth between the limits of its range of movement without contacting the lifting ring 69. Quiet operation of the clutch is thus assured. In this connection it will be noted that as the roller arm 30 moves through a considerable are for any appreciable upward movement of the cylinder 26, a high mechanical advantag is provided, the force of spring 49 of the linkage being multiplied many times. It is possible, therefore, to use a comparatively light resilient means for this purpose.

In the operation of the mechanism, as described, the ram of the press-working machine with which the mechanism is associated is caused to perform a single working stroke when the handle 52 is depressed and is then returned to its original position, the machine idling until the handle is again depressed. In accordance with the invention, means is provided for causing repetitive operation of the ram, this manner of operation being desirable in some instances such as, for example, in nibbling. The said means is indicated generally at 14, being shown inoperative in all of the various figures except Figures 8, 10 and 14 in which it is shown in an operative position.

The means M is mounted on a support 15 which is carried by the clutch housing and includes a vertical shaft 18 journalled for rotative movement in the support. A lever i1 is carried by the lower end of the shaft for turning it. Turning movements of the shaft 16 are utilized to raise and lower a stop element 18. The latter has a vertical leg slotted as at 19 to accommodate a guide screw 80 and carries a C-shaped arm 8i through which the shaft 16 extends. A horizontal section 82 of the stop to which the C-shaped section 8! is connected carries a trough-shaped cam 83, the latter cooperating with a cross-pin 8d which is carried by the shaft. A coil spring 35 which is located between the cross-pin 84 and the horizontal leg of the C-shaped section of the stop is operative to raise the stop element when the lever l? is rotated from the position shown in Figure 13 to that shown in Figure 14 and from the position shown in Figure 7 to that shown in Figure 8. In the positions shown in Figures '7 and 13, the spring 85 is under considerable compression, and, acting against the horizontal arm of the C-shaped member and cross-pin 84, is operative to hold the stop in its lowered position. In the compressed condition of the spring 85 the cross-pin 84 extends across and is supported on the top edges of the trough-shaped cam 33. However, when the lever TI is moved to the position shown in Figures 8, 10 and 14, the crosspin 85 enters the trough of the cam and as a result of the reduced forces of compression acting on the spring 85 the stop is raised to its operative position.

In the operative position of the stop element l8, the horizontal section 82 is located in the path of the latching element 56 which is carried by the actuating arm 35. Hence, as the said arm reaches the position shown in Figure 14, the heel 8E of the latching element engages the section 82 of the stop, as is also clearly shown in Figure 8, and the latching element is thereby prevented from swinging upon its pivot 65 to its latched position in the manner heretofore described. As the latching element is prevented from returning to its operative position, the resulting lost motion between the parts of the linkage will prevent the latter from moving past the dead center position in the direction of its lock-up position, the spring 49 continuing to bias the actuating arm 35, and the cylinder 26, toward the downward or trip side position of the mechanism. Under such conditions, repetitive operation of the controlled instrumentality is eifected, it being noted that the lever 11 may be operated at any time to discontinue such operation.

The use of the spring 50 (Figure 5) in connection with the main spring 49 of the actuating linkage has the advantage that shock of the initial engagement of the driving ends of the slots 35 with the pin 39 of the link 3'! is cushioned as in this position (see Figure 11) the springs 49 and 58 are balanced. Hence there is a no load condition on pin 39 when initially engaged. Shock and resulting wear on the parts is thus substantially reduced.

Various adjustments are provided for insuring operation of the mechanism in the mannerdesired, such adjustments being primarily for the purpose of making it unnecessary to machine or assemble to close tolerances. Thus a screw 81 (Figure l) which provides a stop for a tail-piece 38 on the actuating arm 35 may be adjusted to provide the desired clearance between the top of the piston 22 and the lifting ring 69 at the upper limit of the range of movement of the piston. The adjustability of the arm 62 which carries the stop for the roller arm 59 permits the handle 52 and roller arm 62 to be adjusted until the desired clearance, usually inch is obtained between latch element 64 and roller arm, thereby to prevent metallic contact when the roller arm is inoperative.

Preferably the post l6 of the repetitive control means i carries a screw stop 89 which serves to limit the counterclockwise rotation of the handle 52 and associated parts. The stop screw 89 is adjusted so that the roller arm 59 just be gins to engage the sloping cam surface of the latching element 64 at the point 90, as shown in Figure 3. This assures lifting of the latching element 6- 5 upon clockwise rotation of arm 35 as a result of the driving relation between the cylinder 26 and the piston 22, as shown in Figure 5 and as described heretofore.

It is contemplated that a mechanical foot treadle such as disclosed in application Serial No. 101,218, assigned to my interests, may be connected to the actuating and control mechanism so that it may be availed of when desired but will not introduce an added load which must be overcome when the handle 52 is employed. This is illustrated in Figures 1 and 4. In the former figure, it will be noted that a stop 9! which is a part of the machine frame has connected to it an end of the outer fixed casing 92 of a flexible cable assembly, the stop also acting as a base for a spring 93. The inner slidable element 94 of the assembly has a threaded end which is inserted through an eye 95 on the lower end of the lever 53 and carried thereby. A nut 96 on the threaded end of the slidable element of the cable assembly contains the spring 93 between the eye 95 and the stop 9! so that it will return the handle 52 to its upper position after it has been actuated as in Figures 4 and 5. As will be noted, the eye 95 is slidable on the slidable element 9 so that the foot treadle (not shown) connected thereto will not be moved when the handle 52 is actuated. Hence, the spring means associated with the foot treadle need not be overcome by the manual force applied to handle 52. This reduces handle loads, and hence worker fatigue. It will be apparent, of course, that when cable 94 is actuated by the foot treadle, the resilient means 93 will assist rgsetlilng the foot treadle by acting against the s op The showing of the actuating and control mechanism of the invention in connection with a specific type of clutch is intended for purposes of illustration only as the mechanism is characterized by features which enable its advantages to be availed of in connection with various kinds of machines, devices and mechanisms wherein it is desired to effect a predetermined sequence of movements of mechanical elements.

I claim as my invention:

1. In alinkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect to a dead center line, a source of linear force, a pivotally mounted lever arm, an inclined slot formed in said arm, and cam means in juxtaposition t said slot for latching said source of linear force to said lever arm in such a manner that the linear force may be applied to said arm on either side of said line.

2. In a linkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect to a dead center line, a source of linear force, a pivotally mounted lever arm, a slot formed in said lever arm, means engaging the walls of said slot for connecting the source of linear force to said lever arm, means for holding said connecting means at One end of said slot so that the linear force will be applied to said lever arm at one side of said line, and means for releasing said holding means and for effecting the travel of said connecting means to the other end of said slot so that the linear force will be applied to said lever arm at the other side of said line.

3. In a linkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect to a dead center line, a compressible resilient means as a source of linear force, a pivotally mounted lever arm, an inclined slot formed in said lever arm, means engageable with the walls of said slot for connecting the source of linear force to said lever arm, means for holding said connecting means at the upper end of said slot so that the linear force will be applied to said lever arm at one side of said line, and means for releasing said holding means in order that said connecting means may travel to the lower end of said slot so that the linear force will be applied to said lever arm at the other side of said line.

4. In a linkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect to a dead center line, a source of linear force, a pivotally mounted lever arm, an inclined slot formed in said arm, a pin which extends through said slot to connect said lever arm to said source of linear force, an escapement latch carried by said lever arm which is engageable with said pin at one end of said slot to restrain said linear force and thereby cause said linear force to be applied to said lever arm at one side of said line and for releasing said pin so that it may travel to the other end of said slot and thereby cause said linear force to be applied to said lever arm at the other side of said line.

5. In a linkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect toa dead center line, a pivotally mounted resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, and a slidable connection between said resilient means and lever arm, whereby movement of the resilient means and lever arm in the direction of said center line stores energy in said resilient means, and releasable means in juxtaposition to said slidable connection for selectively applying the energy of saidresilient means to said lever arm on either side of said center line.

6. In a linkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect to a dead center line, a pivotally mounted resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, said lever arm being formed with a slot, a pin which extends through said slot, which is slidable therein, and which connects said resilient means and lever arm, whereby movement of the resilient means and lever arm in the direction of said center line stores energy in said resilient means, and means including said pin and a latching element therefor for selectively applying the energy of said resilient means tosaid lever arm on either side of said center line.

7. Mechanism for controlling the operation of a machine having a power driven element, said mechanism including, a resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, latching means connecting said resilient means and lever arm so that when said lever arm is moved toward a center line energy will be stored in said resilient means, and means for connecting said lever arm and said element so that the movement of the latter will drive said lever arm in one direction to a position in which said resilient means will act on it to drive it further in the same direction.

8. Mechanism for controlling the operation of a machine having a power driven element, said mechanism including a resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, latching means connecting said resilient means and lever arm so that when said lever arm is moved toward a center line energy will be stored in said resilient means, means connecting said lever arm and said element so that the movement of the latter will drive said lever arm in one direction to a position in which said resilient means will act on it at one side of said center line to drive it further in the same direction, and means for moving said lever arm in the opposite direction so that said resilient means will act on the lever arm at the opposite side of said center line and in so doing release its energy to said element.

9. Mechanism for controlling the operation of a machine having a power driven element, said mechanism including a pivotally mounted resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, latching means connecting said resilient means and lever arm so that when they are moved toward a center line energy will be stored in said resilient means, and means connecting said lever arm and said element so that the movement of the latter will drive said lever arm in one direction to a position in which said resilient means will act on it to drive it further in the same direction.

1-0. Mechanism for controlling the operation of a machine having a power driven element, said mechanism including a pivotally mounted resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, latching means connecting said resilient means and lever arm so that when they are moved toward a center line energy will be stored in said resilient means, means connecting said lever arm and said element sothat the movement of the latter will drive said lever arm in one direction to a position in which said resilient means will act on it at one side of said center line to drive it further in the same direction, and means for moving said lever arm in the opposite direction so that said resilient means will act on the lever arm atthe opposite side of said center line. i

11. Mechanism for controlling the operation of a means having a power driven element, said mechanism including, a resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, a releasable slidable connection between said resilient means and lever arm so that when said lever arm is moved toward a center line energy will be stored in said resilient means, and means for connecting said lever arm and said element so that the movement of the latter will drive said lever arm in one direction to a position in which said resilient means will act on it to bias it further in the same direction.

12. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a power driven element, said mechanism including a resilient means, latching means for connecting said resilient means to said element in such a manner that the latter will be operative while moving in one direction to act on said resilient means to store energy therein and move said resilient means to a position in which the stored energy will bias said element in the same direction it was moving while acting on said resilient means, and. means for moving said resilient means in the opposite direction to a position in which its stored energy will bias said element in the opposite direction.

13. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a power driven element, said mechanism including a resilient means, latching means for connecting said resilient means to said element in such a manner that the latter will be operative while moving in one direction to act on said resilient means to store energy therein and then move said resilient means in one direction to a position in which the stored energy will move said element in the same direction it was moving while acting on said resilient means, and means for moving said resilient means in the opposite direction to a position and releasing said latching means whereby its stored energy will act on said element in the opposite direction.

14. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a power driven element, said mechanism including a pivotally mounted lever arm which is connected to said element and which is formed with an elongated inclined slot, a pivotally mounted resilient means, a driving pin for connecting said lever arm and said resilient means, said driving pin extending through said slot and being slidable therein, means for latching said pin in one end of said slot when said lever arm is being driven in one direction by said element so that said lever arm will act on said resilient means to store energy therein and then pivot said resilient means to a position in which such energy will bias said lever arm in the same direction it was being moved by said element.

15. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a power driven element, said mechanism including a pivotally mounted lever arm which is connected to said element and which is formed with an elongated slot, a pivotally mounted resilient means, a driving pin for connecting said lever arm and said resilient means, said driving pin extending through said slot and being slidable therein, means for latching said pin in the leading end of said slot when said lever arm is being driven in one direction by said element so that said lever arm will act on said resilient means to store energy therein and then pivot said resilient means to a position in which the stored energy will bias said lever arm in the same direction it was being moved by said element, means for moving said lever arm in the opposite direction to a position in which the energy stored in said resilient means will act on said arm to bias said element in the opposite direction, and means for releasing said latching means so that said pin may travel to the opposite end of said slot when said lever arm is being moved in the opposite direction.

16. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a power driven element, said mechanism including a pivotally mounted lever arm which is connected to said element and which is formed with an elongated slot, a pivotally mounted resilient means, a driving pin for connecting said lever arm and said resilient means, said driving pin extending through said slot and being slidable therein, a pivotally mounted latching element carried by said lever arm for latching said pin in the leading end of said slot when said lever arm is being driven in one direction by said element so that said lever arm will act on said resilient means to store energy therein and then pivot said resilient means to a position in which the stored energy will bias the lever arm in the same direction it was being moved by said element, means for moving said lever arm in the opposite direction to a position in which the energy stored in said resilient means will act on said arm to bias said element in the opposite. direction, and means operative at the outset of such movement for releasing said latching element so that said pin may travel to the opposite end of said slot when said lever arm is being moved in the opposite direction, said resilient means being thereafter operative to continue driving said lever arm for a predetermined distance in the same direction.

17. Mechanism for actuating a clutch having a driven element which may reciprocate and a cooperating, reciprocating driving element for moving said driven element back and forth between predetermined limits, said elements having cooperating surfaces which are engaged when the driving element is moving the driven element in one direction, said mechanism including resilient means which is loaded by said driven element while moving in said direction, and means for moving said resilient means so that stored energy may be released either to drive said driven element beyond the limit to which it is moved in said direction by said driving element, whereby said driving element may idle without contact between said surfaces or to assist in driving the driven element in the opposite direction.

18. Mechanism for actuating a clutch having a driven element which may reciprocate and a cooperating, reciprocating driving element for moving said driven element back and forth between predetermined limits, said elements having cooperating surfaces which are engaged when the driving element is moving the driven element in one direction, said mechanism including pivotally mounted resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, means connecting said lever arm to said driven element, and means connecting said resilient means and lever arm in such a manner that the latter will act on said resilient means to store energy therein and then move said resilient means to a position in which the stored energy will act on said lever arm to drive said driven element beyond 13 the limit to'which it is moved in said direction by said driving element, whereby said driving element may idle Without contact between said surfaces.

19. Mechanism for actuating a clutch having a driven element which may reciprocate and a cooperating, reciprocating driving element for moving said driven element back and forth between predetermined limits, said element having cooperating surfaces which are engaged when the driving element is moving the driven element in one direction, said mechanism including resilient means which is loaded by said driven element while moving in said direction, and means for moving said resilient means so that stored energy may be released to bias said driven element in said direction, and means for moving said resilient means in the opposite direction to a position short of dead center so that stored energy may be released to bias said driven element in the opposite direction.

20. Mechanism for actuating a clutch having a driven element which may reciprocate and a cooperating, reciprocating driving element for moving said driven element back and forth between predetermined limits, said mechanism including resilient means, and a lever arm which is driven by said driven element to store energy in said resilient means when said driven element is moving in one direction, means for moving said lever arm and resilient means short of dead center whereby the stored energy may be released to move past dead center to assist said driven element during its movement in the opposite direction.

21. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a driven element and a power operated driving element for moving the driven element back and forth between predetermined limits, said mechanism including a resilient means which is acted upon by the driven element so that energy is stored therein as the resilient means is moved in one direction to a position in which the stored energy will bias said driven element in the same direction, means for moving said resilient means in the opposite direction short of the position in which the stored energy will bias said driven element in the opposite direction and means for releasing said resilient means to permit travel past dead center to assist said driven element during its movement in such direction.

22. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a driven element and a power operated driving element for moving the driven element back and forth between predetermined limits in sequence with the driving element, said mechanism including a resilient means which is loaded by said driven element and moved in one direction beyond a dead center position when the driven element is moved in one direction, and means for moving said resilient means in the opposite direction short of dead center so that it may be unloaded by and in sequence with said driven element to travel past dead center and thereby assist said driven element in its movement in the opposite direction.

23. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a driven element and a power operated driving element for moving the driven element back and forth between predetermined limits, said mechanism including a resilient means, and means for connecting said driven element to said resilient moved to and beyond dead center as the driven.

element moves in one direction or may be energized and moved to a position short of dead center so that it will automatically release energy from contact with said driven element to assist said driven element when it moves in the opposite direction.

24. Mechanism of the character described which is adapted to be associated with a power driven element, said mechanism including resilient means, a pivotally mounted lever arm, m ans co e said lever arm and resilient means, means on said lever arm for releasing said connecting means and thereby providing for relative movement between said lever arm and said resilient means, means for coupling said lever arm to said element, and tripping means for effecting movement of said lever arm so that said coupling means will transmit a resisting force from said element for actuating said release means, whereby the force of said resilient means will be released to actuate said mechanism.

25. Mechanism of the character described comprising a reciprocable power driven element, a relatively stationary part in which said element reciprocates, a lever arm pivotally mounted in said stationary part and connected to said element to rock on movement of said element, a resilient means pivotally mounted on said stationary part, said lever arm having an arcuate guideway formed thereon concentric with the pivotal axis of said resilient means, a pin connecting said lever arm and said resilient means and slidable in said guideway, a latching member carried by said lever arm for latching said pin in one end of said guideway, and means for disengaging said latching member.

26. Mechanism of the character described comprising a reciprocable power driven element, a relatively stationary part in which said element reciprocates, a lever arm pivotally mounted in said stationary part and connected to said element to rock on movement of said element, a resilient means pivotally mounted on said stationary part, said lever arm having an arcuate guideway formed thereon concentric with the pivotal axis of said resilient means, a pin connecting said lever arm and said resilient means and slidable in said guideway, a latching member carried by said lever arm for latching said pin in one end of said guideway, and means for disengaging said latching member, said latching member being operable on movement of said driven element in one direction to return to latching position, and means positionable to prevent return of said latching member to latching position.

27. Mechanism of the character described comprising a reciprocable driven element, a cooperating reciprocable driving element for moving said driven element back and forth, a stationary part on which said driven element reciprocates, said driving element being mounted to be reciprocable relative to said driven element without imparting movement to said driven element, means connecting said driving element to said driven element for movement together in one direction, means for connecting said driving element to said driven element to cause said driving element to impart movement in the opposite direction to said driven element, comprising a lever arm pivotally mounted in said stationary part and connected to said driven element to rock on movement of said driven element, a

ace-1,529

resilient means pivotally mounted on said stationary part, said lever arm having an arcuate guideway concentric with the pivotal aXis of said resilient means, a pin connecting said lever arm and said resilient means and slidable in said guideway, a latching member pivotally mounted on said lever arm for latching said pin in one end of said guideway, said latching member being so positioned that it is disengaged at the limit of connected movement of the driving and driven elements together in said one direction, and is re-engaged on connected movement of the driving and driven members in said opposite direction, and said resilient means operating to rock said lever arm to a position to disconnect said driven element from said driving element at the end of movement of the two elements in said opposite direction.

28. Mechanism of the character described comprising a reciprocable driven element, a cooperating reciprocable driving element for moving said driven element back and forth, a stationary part on which said driven element reciprocates, said driving element being mounted to be reciprocable relative to said driven element Without imparting movement to said driven element, means connecting said driving element to said driven element for movement together in one direction, means for connecting said driving element to said driven element to cause said driving element to impart movement in the opposite direction to said driven element, comprising a lever arm pivotally mounted in said stationary part and connected to said driven element to rock on movement of said driven element, a resilient means pivotally mounted on said stationary part, said lever arm having an arcuate guideway concentric with the pivotal axis of said resilient means, a pin connecting said lever arm and said resilient means and slida-ble in said guideway, a latching member pivotally mounted on said lever arm for latching said pin in one end of said guideway, said latching member being so positioned that it is disengaged at the limit of connected movement of the driving and driven elements together in said one direction, and is reengaged on connected movement of the driving and driven members in said opposite direction, and said resilient means operating to rock said lever arm to a position to disconnect said driven element from said driving element at the end of movement of the two elements in said opposite direction, and means for preventing movement of said lever arm to said last named position.

29. In a linkage of the character described wherein the parts are movable to opposed positions with respect to a dead center line, a pivotally mounted compressible resilient means as a source of linear force, a pivotally mounted lever arm having an arcuate guideway thereon concentric with the pivotal axis of said resilient means, means engageable with said guideway for connecting said source of linear force to said lever arm, means for holding said connecting means at one end of said guideway so that the linear force will be applied to said lever arm at one side of said center line, and means for releasing said holding means in order that said connecting means may travel to the other end of said guide- Way so that the linear force will be applied to said lever arm at the other side of said center line.

PAUL Hi TAYLOR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,670,472 Millward May 22, 1928 2,4-i0,928 Bower May 4, 1948 2,475,308 Butler July 5, 1949 2,501,742 Rowe Mar. 28, 1950 2,530,652 Davis Nov. 21, 1950 

